C. elegans development, perturbed in space and time using microfluidics

In this PhD project, we propose to develop and apply a novel live imaging technology to investigate the mechanisms underlying the synchrony of gene expression and stem cell divisions during development of the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans).

By combining optimized micro-patterned electrical resistor arrays and microfluidics animal confinement, we will develop a system to impose a linear temperature gradient, in which the anterior and posterior halves of the C. elegans larva are developing at different temperatures and thus, at different rates.

Using this technology, through live imaging of gene expression and waves of stem cell divisions as well as mathematical modelling of gene regulatory networks, we will then investigate whether and how compensatory mechanisms can counteract the effects of this unnatural environmental condition.